2 years part-time, starting in September 2019

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This course provides you with training that will prepare you for doctoral-level work, and provides a stand-alone qualification in social science research.

The Master of Research is a faculty-wide, cross-disciplinary research training course with an education strand. It provides high-quality training to potential doctoral students as well as a stand-alone qualification for social science researchers.

teach you to systematically review alternative approaches, methodologies and paradigms of research in social and educational enquiry

enable you to critically evaluate the application of these approaches in the specific areas of social and educational enquiry in which you specialise

support you within an active research community, in identifying and investigating your own original research questions

equip you with the skills to contribute to research projects using any of the main methodologies of the social sciences

South West Doctoral Training Partnership

This MRes is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). It can be taken as a course in its own right or as part of the 1+3 (MRes + PhD) pathway, which enables successful graduates to proceed to a PhD.

If you apply for the 1+3 you must indicate your preferred PhD route in your application. Progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on an acceptable level of achievement.

Course structure

This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2019 and ends in 2021. Induction week starts on 23 September 2019.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

Part-time students will typically take either two or three units in each semester, aiming to complete 30 credits in each year. We’ll encourage you to complete as many compulsory units as possible in the first year of studies, to enhance your core knowledge.

Optional units, along with any remaining compulsory units, are taken in the second year. However the actual balance will be flexible subject to agreement by the Director of Studies.

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.